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Florida Sees Record Number Of Prescribed Burns

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — State officials say they've overseen a record number of prescribed burns over the past year.

The Florida Forest Service reported prescribed fires covering more than 2.5 million acres. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said that's one of the highest numbers ever reported by any state in the country.

Prescribed burns help reduce the buildup of flammable plant materials that can fuel wildfires. They also help with disease control in pine trees and the preservation of some endangered plants and animals.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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